Celebrate Hanukkah with 8 Great Films for Each Night

December 14 marks the start of Hanukkah, bringing eight nights of festivities. After lighting the menorah, enjoying some latkes, and spinning the dreidel, its the perfect time to settle in with a film that celebrates the season. Although the selection of Hanukkah-themed movies is limited, weve curated eight standout picks to enjoy throughout the holiday.

Switchmas

This heartwarming comedy features Elliott Gould and tells the story of Ira J. Finkelstein, a boy who loves Christmas but is sent to visit his grandparents in Florida for the holiday. There, he meets another boy heading to Christmastown and they swap plane tickets. In the end, both discover that home is truly where the heart is.

Eight Crazy Nights (Amazon Prime, Paramount+)

Adam Sandler brings Hanukkah to the screen in this animated musical. The story follows Davey, a troublemaker given the choice between jail and community service with a youth basketball league. He meets the quirky referee Whitey Duvall, who teaches him life lessons along the way. Despite some dated content, the film delivers a heartfelt message.

Full-Court Miracle

This Disney Channel classic centers on Lamont, a star basketball player sidelined by injury, who helps a struggling Yeshiva team led by a young boy named Alex. The movie combines basketball action with Hanukkah spirit, making it a timeless family favorite.

Hitched For The Holidays (Pluto TV, Hallmark+)

Emily Hampshire and Joey Lawrence star in this romantic comedy. A Jewish woman and a man from a large Catholic family pretend to be each others partners during the holidays to satisfy their families, leading to unexpected romance and festive chaos.

An American Tail

This 1986 animated classic follows Fievel Mousekewitz, a young mouse emigrating from Russia to the U.S. After getting separated from his family, Fievel embarks on a journey to reunite with them. Though not strictly a Hanukkah film, its themes of family and perseverance resonate with the holiday spirit.

The Holiday

In this Nancy Meyers film, two women swap homes for the holidays. When Kate Winslets character hosts a Hanukkah party, her new love interest, played by Jack Black, joins in the celebration, blending romance and festive cheer with Hanukkah traditions.

The Night Before

Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie star in this adult-oriented holiday comedy about three friends who spend Christmas Eve together. The night is filled with wild antics, holiday traditions, and plenty of laughs, offering a unique, festive experience for grown-ups.

Double Holiday

This movie follows Christy, a corporate executive unfamiliar with Hanukkah, who enlists the help of a Jewish friend to navigate a Hanukkah party. Sparks fly as they navigate each others holiday traditions, resulting in romance and holiday cheer. Available for free on Lifetime.

Hanukkah Romance (Hallmark)

Hallmarks rare Hanukkah feature stars Ben Savage. A restaurant owner discovers her Jewish heritage through a DNA test, leading to an unexpected romance over eight nights. This film brings Hanukkah into the spotlight alongside the usual holiday fare.

With these eight films, you can enjoy a cinematic celebration of Hanukkah, full of humor, heart, and holiday spirit.

Author: Sophia Brooks